YouSaid · the spoken record

Owada

lines on the record: 494
first: 1994-12-16
most recent: 1998-09-29
sittings or episodes: 57
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“My delegation stands ready to cooperate closely with like-minded Member States in our joint efforts to enhance the safety of all international personnel. The provision of humanitarian assistance to the victims of armed conflicts is a vitally important responsibility of the international community and of the Security Council in particular. But I would be remiss if I concluded my intervention today without stressing the point that, in the final analysis, the problem of refugees and other humanitarian crises will not completely go away unless and until the underlying political crises are solved. For this reason, there is always a greater need for us in the international community, and especially in the Security Council, to try to address each crisis situation affecting the peace and security of the region in a holistic manner.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“In the view of my delegation, however, this is not sufficient. As a first step, my delegation would like to suggest that the Security Council declare, as a matter of course each time it launches an operation, that there exists an exceptional risk to the safety of personnel. Such a declaration would serve a useful ancillary purpose of raising international awareness of the importance of the issue of the safety of personnel engaged in humanitarian- assistance activities. Furthermore, Japan believes it is necessary to redress the deficiency of the Convention by revising it to cover in its scope the personnel of the International Committee of the Red Cross and other, non-governmental, organizations, who are not covered at present by the Convention.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“It is recalled in this connection that the General Assembly, at its forty-ninth session, adopted the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel. It is important that all Member States ratify this critically important document as quickly as possible, so that it will come into force without further delay. More importantly, however, my delegation wishes to reiterate the point made by Japan at the time of the Convention's adoption, that the scope of this Convention does not cover personnel engaged in humanitarian-assistance activities. Some modest improvement was introduced in Article 1 of the Convention, at the insistence of Japan, so that the Convention may be expanded when the Security Council or the General Assembly declares that there exists an exceptional risk to the safety of participating personnel.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“As we have recently witnessed in Tajikistan, where United Nations military observers were repeatedly taken hostage, or in Sierra Leone, where United Nations personnel came under attack, deliberate acts of sabotage are becoming a recurring problem. Thus the need to provide effective means to protect the safety of these personnel is increasingly becoming a source of serious concern to the entire membership of the United Nations, and in particular to the Security Council. As one of such means to cope with the situation, the international community should seriously consider the possibility of reinforcing the mechanism for ensuring the safety of such personnel through legal instruments.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“However, as I indicated earlier, the recent conflicts and combatants do not fit this profile. In a situation where the parties to a conflict are more likely than not to ignore and disregard this distinction between combatants and non-combatants engaged in a humanitarian mission, and lack the discipline or the will to respect such international norms, the provision of some forceful protection for humanitarian- relief operations becomes an inevitable option. It is in this context that my delegation feels that particular attention of the members of the United Nations will have to be drawn to the need for securing the safety of international personnel who are engaged in providing humanitarian assistance under extremely difficult and, at times, life-threatening circumstances.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“Seen from this angle, the involvement of such a highly political body as the Security Council, through the provision of protection by peacekeeping forces or other forces authorized by the Council, will have to be meticulously weighed and tailored in such a way that the humanitarian operations themselves are not jeopardized. Another fundamental point to consider is the implications of the change in the nature of conflict that I touched upon earlier. In traditional conflicts between regular armies, where one could safely assume that the combatants would respect the principles and rules of international humanitarian law, the humanitarian activities, based on the principle of strict separation of combatants and non-combatants, could be safely carried out as long as those three principles were strictly adhered to.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“One of the most fundamental questions to be considered in thinking about the role of the Security Council in relation to the problem of the protection of humanitarian activities is whether an intervention by the Council would be consistent with the basic principles under which humanitarian activities are carried out and thus be conducive to ameliorating the situation. It is almost axiomatic that the humanitarian agencies, whether intergovernmental or non-governmental, will have to adhere to the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality in order to be effective in their mission. Indeed, it is essential that humanitarian assistance activities be carried out in a neutral, impartial and strictly non-political manner in order for them to be truly effective.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“First, the mandate of such an operation must be clearly defined, and its terms of reference precisely specified; secondly, the actual situation on the ground must be such that the mission of offering the cover of protection under this mandate may realistically be expected to be accomplished through the means offered; thirdly, the operation must be equipped with the necessary human and material resources to accomplish the mission; and fourthly, the Security Council must closely monitor the situation so that the operation can adapt to the rapidly changing situation on the ground. These are the minimal requirements that must be met before such an operation may be authorized. It is also important that consideration be given to the roles that regional organizations may play in such an operation in cooperation with the United Nations.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“In the light of these factors, it would seem clear that while the primary task of the Council is to bring about the resolution of the conflict and of the underlying political problems that gave rise to such humanitarian crises, it is often necessary to engage in activities on an emergency basis aimed at providing assistance to humanitarian relief activities under way in the midst of such conflicts that are facing grave difficulties in carrying out their mission. Nevertheless, a word of caution would seem to be in order: even in those circumstances where United Nations peacekeeping forces are used as instruments for the protection of humanitarian efforts, it is essential that the following conditions be met.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“It is thus legitimate that we should ask ourselves the following question: according to which criteria and to what extent should the Security Council be involved in the protection of humanitarian assistance efforts? Since refugees and many other humanitarian problems are the consequence of political or ethnic conflict, they cannot be fundamentally eliminated unless and until the root causes of the conflict are resolved. At the same time, it is also true that the international community cannot stand idly by as tragic humanitarian crises erupt in an emergency situation and that the Security Council, as the only international body with the authority and legitimacy to take action, has to respond to such crises.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“I am referring in particular to the recent practice of the Security Council of entrusting peacekeeping operations with the additional task of protecting and assisting humanitarian operations, a mandate that goes beyond the traditional scope of peacekeeping operations. The United Nations Protection Force in the former Yugoslavia, the United Nations Operation in Mozambique and the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia are among the operations that have been entrusted with such a task. This innovation introduced in the practice of the Security Council raises new questions, however, particularly concerning the relationship between the traditional mandate of the Security Council in peacekeeping operations and the new task of providing assistance to humanitarian operations.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“To meet this new challenge, efforts must be intensified to strengthen coordination and cooperation among the various humanitarian agencies. Indeed, it was in order to respond more effectively to this new situation in humanitarian crises that the Department of Humanitarian Affairs was created in 1992, with a view to bringing about a more effective coordination among various agencies, which until then had tended to operate independently of each other. Nevertheless, this clearly is not enough. Thus an innovative new attempt has been introduced in the practice of the Security Council to meet these new challenges.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“Even where this is not the case, armed units of the parties to the conflict are often bands of guerrillas, militias and other non-regular combatants who do not always possess military discipline and allegiance to a commander and thus lack a basic sense of respect for international humanitarian law and human rights. As a result, not only has the treatment of refugees and internally displaced persons in these situations become a source of serious concern to us from the viewpoint of how to protect these victims, but, even more ominously, the guarantee of safety and security in which humanitarian activities can be carried out by humanitarian agencies - whether United Nations-affiliated or otherwise - has come to be jeopardized. These quantitative and qualitative changes in humanitarian emergencies require commensurate changes in our response.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“While in 1991 most of these people were cross- border refugees, in 1996 nearly half were internally displaced persons, reflecting the increase in intra-State conflicts. There is another, even more important, change in the nature of conflicts that demands our concerted attention. Traditionally, the displacement of people has been a phenomenon incidental to an armed conflict between regular national armies, in which civilians try to seek refuge from the calamities of war. In the new type of conflicts that have come to erupt in recent years, however, it is more likely to be the civilian population itself that becomes the target of an attack.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“In many of the extreme cases, we have seen this lead to the abhorrent practice of "ethnic cleansing". The humanitarian emergencies resulting from such conflicts have likewise changed, both in nature and in scope. The most direct and dramatic consequence of such conflicts is the massive displacement of people. According to statistics provided by the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, there were an average of five humanitarian emergencies a year in the 1980s; in the 1990s the ratio has quadrupled, to an average of 20 emergencies a year. Moreover, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) tells us that the number of refugees, internally displaced persons and other affected people within the purview of UNHCR has risen from 17 million in 1991 to 26 million in 1996.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“There are no easy answers or ready solutions; utmost wisdom and insight will be required each time we deal with a concrete situation, taking into account the overall context of the relevant factors affecting the situation. We have witnessed in recent years a dramatic change in the nature, the cause and the modality of the armed conflicts that have been plaguing various parts of the world. As a rule, these conflicts tend to be fought more often within the national borders of a State than between States. In many cases they stem not so much from clashes of national interests arising out of political, economic and ideological differences as from ethnic or tribal rivalries within a State, or from the chaos that has come to prevail in a so-called "failed state".”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“I wish to pay tribute to the Government of the Republic of Korea for taking the initiative of holding an open debate of the Security Council on this important subject. At the same time, in our treatment of this issue, we should constantly keep in mind that the protection of humanitarian activities is a problem with multifaceted dimensions, requiring careful examination from diverse angles, including its legal, political, social and humanitarian implications. It should also be kept in mind that as far as United Nations activities in this field are concerned, the problem concerns the area of activity not only of the Security Council, but also of the General Assembly and other organs.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“Permit me, Mr. President, to begin by extending a hearty welcome to the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea in the seat of the President of this Council this morning. I wish to express my pleasure at seeing a former colleague preside as President over this important meeting of the Security Council. Every one of us who has been watching the tragic developments in the humanitarian situations in the former Yugoslavia, the Great Lakes region, the Central Asian regions and many other parts of the world in recent years will readily agree that the problem of how effectively to offer protection for humanitarian assistance to refugees and others in conflict situations is one of the burning issues that the international community should address with a keen awareness of the gravity and urgency of the present state of affairs.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“When they do, they may be assured that their efforts will have the strong and willing support of the international community.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“Japan, for its part, in 1996 contributed $1.7 million to the World Food Programme to assist internally affected people in Somalia and 700 thousand Swiss francs to the International Committee of the Red Cross for its activities for Somalia. When stability is restored throughout the country, it will be ready to extend social and economic development assistance as well. It bears repeating that the achievement of a lasting and comprehensive peace ultimately depends on the leaders of the Somali people themselves. Only when all the factions set aside their rivalries and join together to advance the peace process can the people of Somalia turn their efforts to rebuilding their nation. Japan strongly hopes that they will be given the opportunity to do so in the near future.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“We in the international community should call upon the faction leaders to abide strictly by international humanitarian law and other norms in the humanitarian field, and control the actions of their subordinates, in order to guarantee the safety and human rights of civilians, as well as the freedom of movement of international relief workers. We should also urge them to cooperate in reopening the seaport and airport of Mogadishu in order to facilitate the delivery of much-needed food and medical supplies. It is important that the international community extend full support and assistance to the process of national reconstruction and rehabilitation once a comprehensive peace settlement is achieved.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“The international community should redouble its efforts to induce the faction leaders to do so, and in particular to induce Mr. Hussein Aidid, the leader of a faction that claims to control most of the country, to enter into negotiations with all parties. Japan, for its part, is prepared to cooperate in such mediation efforts. Demanding our urgent attention under the present circumstances is the humanitarian dimension of the situation in Somalia. In many parts of the country, and especially in the area around Mogadishu, indiscriminate acts of violence continue to jeopardize the safety of the civilian population, as well as that of United Nations personnel and others engaged in international humanitarian relief efforts.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“We also pay tribute to Italy for the contributions it has made, through its Special Envoy, to advancing the peace process. The United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) is also to be commended for the vital role it has been playing as a liaison between the United Nations and the various factions and in encouraging the leaders of those factions to seek a negotiated settlement to the conflict. Each of these endeavours is a necessary and valuable contribution; they do not by themselves, however, add up to a comprehensive solution. What is essential is that the Somali faction leaders now summon the political will to join together and meld these separate efforts into a unified drive to achieve a comprehensive and lasting settlement.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“Atto has been excluded from the talks, which have continued since the beginning of this month in Mogadishu, within the framework of a joint commission on reconciliation. My delegation believes that, as the leader of an important faction, Mr. Atto's participation is crucial to the advancement of the comprehensive peace process. Another encouraging step forward is the High-level Consultative Meeting of Somali Political Movements, which was convened in Sodere in January on the initiative of Ethiopia. One significant result of that effort was the formation of the National Salvation Council, which has decided to convene a National Reconciliation Conference in June this year. My Government also wishes to express its gratitude to Egypt for its recent effort, on behalf of the League of Arab States, to bring the leaders of rival factions together.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“After many years of intense internal strife, the situation in Somalia remains a source of grave international concern. The failure of all the various factions to join together in the search for a comprehensive and lasting settlement continues to rob the people of Somalia of the right to pursue their livelihoods and embark on the long process of national reconciliation and reconstruction. Ongoing, sincere efforts by a number of countries and international organizations are beginning to show some promise, however. We were particularly encouraged by the opening of talks in Nairobi last October among three faction leaders - Hussein Aidid, Ali Mahdi Mohamed and Osman Atto - at the initiative of President Daniel arap Moi of Kenya. In this connection, however, it is to be noted with great regret that Mr.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“In closing, I should like to express my sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Maitre Alioune Blondin Beye, for their tireless efforts in support of the peace process in Angola. In order to ensure that those efforts are as fruitful as possible, we hope that all concerned will cooperate towards the consolidation of reconciliation throughout the country so that the process of nation-building can get under way. The people of Angola will then have reason to believe that a truly peaceful and prosperous future awaits them.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“Moreover, my Government is ready to assist Angola in its endeavour to reach true peace and national reconciliation. The consolidated appeal that was issued on 24 March contains humanitarian projects, as well as those aimed at consolidating the peace, and Japan is studying the appeal closely in order to determine how it might most appropriately contribute to it. When the peace process is firmly on track and it is time to convene an international conference to consider the most effective ways and means of assisting Angola in developing its great potential in terms of both natural resources and human resources and in rebuilding its economy, Japan will be ready to participate actively in that conference.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“Under these circumstances, I wish to state that my delegation is in favour of the extension of the mandate of UNAVEM. III until 30 June 1997, as prescribed in the draft resolution before us. There is general support for a continued United Nations presence after UNAVEM. III has completed its tasks. In its intervention on 27 February, my delegation confirmed the readiness of the Government of Japan to contribute to the follow-on Mission, the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola, once the details regarding its mandate, modalities, and time-frame are worked out. Now that the impasse in the political situation has been overcome, Japan is ready to consider how it might best contribute to that effort on the basis of the further recommendations of the Secretary-General and in accordance with actions taken by the Security Council.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“The parties thus owe it to the international community, as well as to the people of Angola, to strive in good faith to solidify the progress that has been made so far and to reaffirm their commitment to nation-building. If they are to be able to carry out the difficult tasks that lie ahead, including the normalization of the State administration throughout the national territory and the integration of UNITA forces into the Angolan Armed Forces and the National Police, they will need to develop relations of mutual trust. As a first step in that process, my delegation earnestly hopes that President Dos Santos and Mr. Savimbi will find it possible to meet in Angola in the near future to consolidate the basis for genuine national reconciliation.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“The Government of Japan heartily welcomes the establishment of the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation in Angola. Signifying as it does the introduction of a multi-party democracy, the establishment of the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation demonstrates that Angola is falling into step with the ongoing democratization process that we have been witnessing in many parts of Africa, and that achievement is thus all the more welcome. It is hoped that the parties concerned duly appreciate the unflagging commitment and close involvement of the international community in the peace process, especially in its deployment of three United Nations Missions, starting with the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM) and continuing up to the present with UNAVEM. III.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“My delegation hopes that this open debate of the Security Council will succeed not only in drawing the attention of the international community to the dire situation in this often forgotten area of human tragedy, but also in generating new impetus towards attaining durable peace in Afghanistan.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“With this possibility in mind, my Government will be participating in the meeting of the Afghanistan Support Group, to be held in Geneva on 21 April, which will provide an opportunity for exploring the possibilities of such an integrated approach for peace and reconstruction. An open debate on Afghanistan in the Security Council can achieve the important purpose of opening up a new vista for peace, by means of a number of new ideas focusing the attention of the international community on this conflict-ridden country and offering new, innovative approaches to peace in that region.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“As I also stated last October in this Council Chamber, we should start examining what the possibilities are for offering a hand of help and support to the Afghan parties in their reconstruction and rehabilitation in the context of our endeavours for a peaceful settlement, without waiting for the attainment of a final peace. For this purpose, my country is interested in cooperating with the United Nations, when the time is judged to be right, in the promotion of an international conference in which the problem of post-conflict reconstruction will be examined as a central theme on the agenda for peace in Afghanistan.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Thirdly, with regard to assistance to Afghanistan, humanitarian assistance by international organizations and non-governmental organizations should continue in order to expedite the return of refugees to a relatively stable area, depending upon their situation. In the view of my delegation, however, what is equally important, if not more important, will be to start the process of economic cooperation and national reconstruction in an integrated way, together with the efforts for achieving political reconciliation and national unity.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Secondly, in line with this perspective, Japan is engaged in assisting the efforts of the Special Mission, which is endeavouring to promote direct contacts and dialogue between the four major parties: the Dostum, Rabbani, Khalili and Taliban factions. Thus, for example, to those parties which had accepted an invitation - namely, Dostum, Rabbani and Khalili - an opportunity was provided recently in Tokyo for useful preliminary contacts. There Japan explained what it had in mind in the way of contributing to a settlement of the Afghan conflict and urged the parties to cooperate with the United Nations mediation efforts and to start substantive discussions on an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful settlement. Japan is considering making a similar demarche for the Taliban as well.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“First, as I stated in this Council Chamber on 16 October 1996, Japan would be prepared to consider offering a venue for a meeting between the parties directly involved, in close cooperation with the United Nations, if and when such an offer could assist in bringing the parties to the negotiating table. We in Japan believe that, as an impartial third party to the conflict in Afghanistan, Japan has a role to play in complementing the activities of the United Nations Special Mission, through inducing the parties in conflict to agree on a ceasefire. Japan is looking forward to the ripening of an opportunity for such a meeting. Japan hopes to be able, when the time is ripe, to provide a forum in which all parties will be able to participate and engage in direct negotiations.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Neighbouring countries should refrain from exercising their influence on the factions involved to exacerbate the situation and instead cooperate in a constructive manner with the United Nations in its mediation activities through the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan. As an Asian nation that should offer its own share of contributions in our common task of restoring peace in Afghanistan, Japan is keenly conscious of its responsibility to contribute to the peace process in Afghanistan, in keeping with the views I have just outlined. I wish to mention here, in particular, three areas where Japan wishes to offer its contribution.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“We particularly support and greatly appreciate the effort of the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan, led by Mr. Norbert H011, to achieve the end. Despite those efforts of the Mission, however, the situation remains very serious. It should be made clear to all the parties that an attempt to resolve the conflict by military means will not bring about durable peace in that country; rather it will jeopardize the chance of a peace based on national reconciliation, harm relations with neighbouring countries and make enduring unity more difficult. All factions should be brought to agree to an immediate ceasefire and begin negotiations on the establishment of a national unity government.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Japan believes that maintaining the territorial integrity and unity of Afghanistan as a stable sovereign State is important for the peace and stability not only of that subcontinent region of Asia, but also of the broader Asian regions adjoining it. It should also be noted that the hostilities in Afghanistan are hampering efforts to tackle such vital problems as the control of drug trafficking and international terrorism. As an Asian nation, we in Japan are gravely concerned about the continuing and worsening armed conflict in that country, and attach great importance to its early and peaceful resolution. It is against this background that Japan has continued and will continue to support the United Nations, which occupies the central role in international efforts toward this end.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“As preparations for the elections proceed, Japan will further consider a wide range of assistance to the people of Liberia, including the possibility of funding the purchase of elections-related equipment and of dispatching personnel to serve as electoral observers. The international community has to be prepared to make every effort to ensure that the ongoing peace process, which has been showing encouraging signs of progress in recent weeks, may be successfully concluded.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“Achieving national reconciliation and consolidating a framework for a true political settlement are but two of the difficult tasks that lie ahead. As has been pointed out, the responsibility for accomplishing these tasks lies chiefly with the Liberian people themselves. But while the Liberian people must take the lead, the international community, for its part, should be ready to follow with assistance. I wish, on behalf of my Government, to pledge that Japan is prepared to play a meaningful role in such assistance efforts. In fact, Japan has already been extending electoral assistance through a contribution to the United Nations Trust Fund for Liberia.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“Japan recognizes that the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL), which is working closely with ECOMOG, is also playing an essential role in the peace process, and believes that it can expand its role to include the electoral process. My delegation therefore welcomes the extension of UNOMIL's mandate for an additional three months, until 30 June. There is no doubt that the holding of free and fair elections will be a milestone in the peace process. But the elections are just a beginning, and the road ahead to true and lasting peace will be an arduous one. The wounds inflicted by the extended civil war are deep and not easily healed, and the very socio-economic fabric of Liberia as a nation must be restored.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“The elections in Liberia are no exception. Their legitimacy would be greatly enhanced by the participation of those citizens who return from their place of refuge in neighbouring countries. Therefore, it will be particularly important for the situation on the ground to improve and for the refugees to feel secure enough to return voluntarily. This is important not only from the humanitarian point of View, but also in terms of consolidating the electoral process through enhanced legitimacy. Let me emphasize in this context the importance of the continued presence of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in maintaining a secure environment in Liberia.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“Vigilance on the part of the international community is particularly necessary at this time when preparations are under way for the elections that are scheduled to be held on 30 May. The time-table for holding the elections is extremely tight. It is essential for the Liberian parties to redouble their efforts to ensure that free and fair elections are held as scheduled as an essential phase of the peace process in Liberia. The elections, if held on time and in a free and fair manner, will provide the first opportunity for the people of Liberia to express their views as to how and by whom they wish to be governed, and thus consolidate the ground for the establishment of a stable foundation for national reconciliation. The validity of any elections is enhanced when they gain the fullest possible participation of the electorate.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“The recent history of Liberia can only be described as tragic. After seven years of civil war the national infrastructure is in ruins and the very fabric of society has disintegrated. It is therefore gratifying to note that since January this year there have been signs that the situation in Liberia is beginning to stabilize. There have been no reports of cease-fire violations in more than two months now and some improvements are discernible in the humanitarian situation. The recent seizure of a stockpile of weapons at the residence of a retiring member of the Council of State, however, is a clear signal that the situation in Liberia is still fraught with danger.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“It is crucial that we try our best to avoid a further deterioration of the situation, particularly through the best efforts of the parties concerned to exercise self-restraint. Japan urges the parties concerned to work to redouble their efforts to put the negotiations back on track.”
1997-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3756 (1997) · source
“Under the circumstances, Japan is going to vote in favour of the draft resolution before us, whose purpose is to call upon the Israeli Government to cease the present activity of constructing a settlement in East Jerusalem. I wish to take this opportunity to express the deep sorrow and indignation felt by the Government and the people of Japan over the tragic event in Tel Aviv on 21 March, in which a terrorist bombing caused many casualties, among them innocent children. It is precisely this kind of activities - terrorist activities - that could put the whole peace process in jeopardy by inviting a vicious circle of violence. Japan unreservedly condemns any form of terrorism. We must not let such violent acts derail the efforts for peace and stability.”
1997-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3756 (1997) · source
“On the basis of this conviction, the Government of Japan conveyed its position on 19 March in a message from Foreign Minister Ikeda to Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs David Levy, as well as to the President of the Palestinian interim self- government, Mr. Yasser Arafat. As a result of this grave concern, members of the Security Council, including my own country, were engaged in serious and sincere efforts with a view to arriving at a unanimous message from the Security Council to be conveyed to the Israeli Government. It is therefore a cause for great sadness that we have not succeeded in our common efforts.”
1997-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3756 (1997) · source
“The Government of Japan expressed its position that the recent developments in the Middle East, involving the decision by the Government of Israel on the construction of housing in the Har Homa/Jabal Abu Ghneim area of East Jerusalem, were regrettable. For this reason, it is all the more regrettable that despite the appeal of the international community, the Government of Israel has proceeded with this construction. What Japan is most concerned about is that this action could lead to the undermining of the peace process which has been so assiduously constructed over the years by the parties directly involved.”
1997-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3756 (1997) · source
“My delegation sincerely hopes that the parties concerned will not lose sight at this juncture of the critical importance of overcoming small differences for the sake of promoting the cause of lasting peace and stability in the region. In any great undertaking there is always a danger that we may fail to see the forest for the trees. It is my earnest hope that all parties concerned will focus their endeavours on the forest and make their best efforts to offer the people in the region a solid ground for hope for a more peaceful and secure future.”
1997-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745 (1997) · source